The wine world fills the demands from those of us who like big Cabernets so oaked they leave splinters and Chardonnays so rich they clog arteries, as well as, others who just want to see the purity of fruit without much intervention. Wineries such as Fleet are taking the beautiful fruit they grow and allowing it to do all the talking. There is indeed a noticeable movement in Australian wine industry. Fifty years ago, the question on winemakers’ lips was, “What can we do with it?” Nowadays, winemakers are asking themselves “Why do anything to it?”. Lisa and Justin Jenkins are the husband and wife winemaking team behind Fleet Wines. Their combined 30 years’ experience in bars and restaurants, guide them in creating modern wines for modern tastes. Their motto is simple: flavour, texture, enjoyment.
In 2016, the Jenkins moved back to Justin’s native Gippsland in order to pursue their passion for wine to the next level: winemaking. The name Fleet comes from their willingness to source grapes from various vineyards, on top of their Gippsland grapes. Through careful winemaking every vintage, they aim to truly represent the individual essence of each vineyard. Winemaking is second to fruit; resulting in easy-drinking wines, varietal driven, full of freshness and vibrancy.
Friday 6th March, meet maker Justin :
Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris
A showstopping execution of this varietal from the sandy, down-the-hill soils of Moorooduc. Made with some skin contact; it pours a blushed pink and has a gentle lick of refreshing tannins. The nose is full of rich floral and orchard fruits notes. The palate is rich and fleshy, with lots of texture from barrel-ageing, finishing dry and long with a great acid line.
Leongatha Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir is a light and bright style yet full of exuberance! It has all your typical Yarra Valley Pinot Noir notes and more; perfumed notes, red fruits appeal and excellent spice components. Not to forget a great tannin profile and general structure coming from great winemaking and some whole bunch!
Macclesfield Chardonnay
This Chardonnay is so new we will have to write our tasting notes at the same time as you on Friday!
Sunbury Rosé
Fleet’s take on pink! A 50/50 blend of Cabernet and Shiraz grapes (ballsy) provides a clean and fresh drop. Delicate notes of fresh red berries, sharp vibrant acidity, and an appealing herbal savouriness on the palate. Yummy
Yarra Valley Syrah
An ode to everything that’s good about cool-climate Shiraz. It has a beautiful core of plush mulberry and cassis fruit, while violets and white pepper shine through on the nose. Its medium body is supported by generous inky tannins to create a truly elegant wine.
Gippsland Cabernet Sauvignon
A wine of great depth – medium-bodied, with brambly fruit, spice and a typical green herbaceousness supporting fleshy blackcurrant notes. Fine graphite tannins pull this wine into the sweet spot between fruity and savoury, creating a moreish wine that sings perfectly.
We see you at 5pm Friday 6th March for a very special Meet the Makers with Justin Jenkins pouring.
JM & VKL
Pix and content courtesy of Fleet Wines©